A Pleb Underground Interview by DN Comply of Zac Guignard, President of University of Victoria’s Bitcoin Club
When and how did you get into Bitcoin?
I first discovered Bitcoin during the pandemic. As an economics major, I was fascinated by the idea of a peer-to-peer currency that has no central authority and a fixed supply of 21 million coins. I could see right away that these features gave bitcoin properties that will enable it to take the world by storm. After immersing myself in countless books, podcasts, and videos I became convinced that Bitcoin is one of the most important innovations of our time, and yet not one in a thousand people currently grasps its significance. Thereafter, I wanted to begin helping others understand Bitcoin so that together we may build a better economy for future generations.
When did you buy your first satoshis?
Not long after my initial discovery of Bitcoin, I bought my first satoshis. On a student budget, I was pleased to discover that you do not have to buy a full Bitcoin at once. In fact, you can buy less than $1 of Bitcoin if you are so inclined. I started by purchasing small amounts, but over time I began making larger purchases as my knowledge of Bitcoin grew and I recognized its tremendous potential for growth. I now regularly purchase Bitcoin, allowing me to set aside savings for the future in these uncertain times.
What motivated you to start the University of Victoria's Bitcoin club?
I became president of the club because I wanted to create a community of like-minded people who seek to better understand the impact of Bitcoin on the world. I felt that there was a lack of awareness about Bitcoin on campus, and that many students would benefit from bitcoin outreach. The club also serves as an exciting way to pursue my passion for economics. Given the many reasons to fear an imminent economic catastrophe, I believe we must focus on solutions and refuse to surrender to doom and gloom. In summary, I saw taking on the role of president as a great way to enhance Bitcoin awareness and education with the local community.
How many members do you currently have?
We currently have over 200 members on our Discord server, where we announce meetups, share resources and chat. Our membership has grown steadily over the past year as we’ve built up our presence on campus by hosting various events. Our membership is also very diverse. Some participants have extensive Bitcoin knowledge, while others are just brand new to the topic and don’t yet know a thing. This results in different events attracting different audiences depending on their interests and expertise.
What do you view as the club's main accomplishments to date?
I immensely enjoy bringing Bitcoin awareness to students and the university. Our events have helped educate our members on the basics of Bitcoin. This in turn has sharpened our members’ insights into the transformative nature of this technology. We intend to continue building a community of passionate Bitcoiners both on and off campus. At every turn, we also try to set the record straight on the most common misconceptions surrounding Bitcoin. People often approach us with misguided questions about Bitcoin, which are typically easy to address in a short conversation.
I assume you think it would be fantastic if every college had a Bitcoin club. What do you see as the main ways a college Bitcoin club can speed us toward hyperbitcoinization?
Yes, I believe it would be remarkable if every college had a Bitcoin club. College Bitcoin clubs help promote education and awareness on the topic and provide a space for discussion and collaboration. By bringing together students, academics, and industry experts, Bitcoin clubs can deepen our collective understanding of Bitcoin. This can speed us towards hyperbitcoinization by creating an engaged community around Bitcoin. Together we can help advance this novel technology and bring mass adoption to the world.
For people currently enrolled in college, what are the main things they must know in order to start a club and attract its first members?
Before starting a Bitcoin club, you should gain a strong understanding of the topic. You’ll thereby strengthen your ability to better educate your club’s members. You’ll also need to host regular events and dedicate significant time to promoting your club through a strong social media presence. This will attract new members and help build a sense of community. Every Bitcoin club should also strive to collaborate with other college clubs. By co-hosting events that focus on a variety of themes you can expose Bitcoin to new audiences.
It is also crucial to have a strong team to help you manage the club. Ideally, your leadership will collectively possess a deep knowledge of Bitcoin. Each member can bring a new perspective to help your club grow. I am incredibly grateful to have my executive team helping me steer our club’s growth and evolution.
Is there anything relevant I've failed to ask?
I want to stress that your goal as a Bitcoin club is not to get people to “buy” Bitcoin, but rather to offer an open space for discussion and education. I see our main purpose as providing the necessary tools to help people better understand and study Bitcoin. While Bitcoin is for everyone, nobody is forced to use it. Our task is to start as many conversations surrounding Bitcoin as we can. It has become increasingly obvious that the global economic landscape is deteriorating. As a result, our members are likely to gain an appreciation of Bitcoin’s singular potential to resolve what is currently broken in our economic system.
Zac Guignard is an economics undergraduate at the University of Victoria, and President of the university’s Bitcoin Club. DN Comply is the author of “Bitcoin Basics.”